Loving the Lambs

Oh the little lambs......especially the orphaned ones.

There is nothing more special than being able to feed the lambs.

But it is quite hard to keep a hold on them, as they wriggle around with their little tails going ten to the dozen.

This one had rather shaky little legs and was fairly quiet but the other one was jumping around and bleating in a very piercing way.

They were in the garden following us round, a little nervous but exploring nonetheless.

Today my great-nephew Tom, came for a visit and helped out.

We loosened the soil and raked it down ready for the turf.

The tortoises are awake and ready to be admired.

 The damson blossom is beautiful.

The sweetpea row is in situ.....always a significant 

milestone in the year.

At home the fairy garden has had a make-over.

Some of the camellias are in full bloom.

This one is called Waterlily.

Lots of exciting plans being discussed for the garden.

Can`t wait to get started on them.

Mad Max and Frogspawn

Mad Max is probably a slight exaggeration, which Anne will testify to. She very kindly taught me how to drive the Workmax on Thursday. After trundling very sedately down the field, she very tactfully said...."You can put your foot down now Jen!" Ha ha.

Anyway I loved it.

We visited the shepherd`s hut to check on the hemming for the new curtains and the went on down to the Woodland yurts.

Anne has done lots of work here, clearing the stream and surrounding reeds. I was delighted to see the new shower.

And even more delighted to see all the frogspawn in the pond, just inside the wood.

The frogs seem so desperate to lay eggs, we even found them on a tree stump.

Amazing, but very vulnerable.

I left Anne working there and trundled back across the field with the wind ruffling my hair and the sun beating down, on the warmest day of the year so far.

Steve put up our newly outfitted scarecrow.

We put more chipped bark round the stable and chose some tree trunks for seats.

We left the new stone ladybirds to completely dry in the polytunnel.

They will be hidden round the garden, ready to be found by visitors, later in the season.

It`s very surprising where they turn up.

Here is an area that we want to develop into a more comfy sitting area, for elongated tea breaks. And sausage sizzles.

It needs a windbreak, as it can be pretty drafty. 

 

At home the seedlings are doing well.....

....cornflowers and calendula....

....the first sweetpeas.

The geranium cuttings are romping away and the fuschia plugs from Aldi are well away.....£1.99 for 6.

The butterfly garden sign has been redone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And great excitement for next week, as the new turf will be arriving for the stable`s outdoor run and the new sitting area by the gate.

Oh it`s all go round here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honeysuckle, Seeds and Octopus

Everything feels right with the world when you have spent a long satisfying day in both gardens.
I managed to get several jobs crossed off my extensive lists.
I think it is a bonus, too, when you think it`s going to rain and then doesn`t.
My first job was to transfer a honeysuckle to the side of the new stable. It will need a good piece of trellis.

Next I got more nettles out of the orchard grass.....
still loads to go though.

I raked the soil down ready to sow grass seed later.
 It`s too random to turf.

Steve checked on posts and netting all round the garden, including the butterfly garden sides. Lots of perenniels to thin out in this bed.

I cleared the path alongside the stable, made an edge of bricks and spread chipped bark.

There will be grass here soon.
 Steve removed the pesky fennel which I do love, but it seeds everywhere and has deep, tough roots.
I staked some floppy plants in the shrub bed and wondered about thinning a few things out.
The helleborus is looking good.

We gathered more broccolli for tomorrow`s dinner.
Ooooh I do love it.

Here is the new bunting for the garden.

I seem to have been making a lot of bunting lately.
My great-nephew will be 1 year old soon.

I was very pleased with my latest crochet.....octopus.

 It is very liberating to see an idea and just be able to make it up as I go along......something I cannot do with knitting, strangely enough.

Some tiny knitted teds. I did follow a pattern but not too happy with the fact that they look a little like mice. 
They need more of a muzzle really. 

Some even tinier teds and bunnies.

And a parliament of owls.

 I spent the rest of the day in our own garden sowing more seeds.
It isn`t until you throw away all of last year`s empty seed packets that you think you might have a problem.

I have planted 3 lots of sweetpeas......just 24 more packets to go.

Now that is a problem!!

I cannot resist a bargain and I am making sure there are replacements if the mice have a go.

I have got some to spare!!!!

Ha ha.



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Newts and Rainbows.

What a great way to start the month.....a dry morning at the garden, followed by rain ... and therefore, much needed housework this afternoon.

God made rainy days so gardeners could do their housework.

Steve set off to the yurts to make accurate measurements for the new yurt doors.

I set to on the butterfly garden. 

It took me all our time there.

The sign needs replacing.

 

There`s an awkward little area where the wire fence once was.

I think it will look better with a board fastened in place, followed by some grass seed.

Whilst digging here, a newt had a lucky escape from my trowel.

Steve got busy digging on the raised bed.

 Anne came along to see to the animals and we discussed new shepherd`s hut curtains, turf and ideas for the open day.

There will be grass in front of the mini-stable.

And honeysuckle climbing up at the side.

I shall rescue the honeysuckle from behind the fence. It`s not doing well there at all.

The palma violets are amazing.

And the rhubarb is changing daily.

We picked purple sprouting brocolli for dinner tonight.

After checking on chewed dahlia tubers.....

 

.......we checked on jobs for next time!!!!

 

 

And set off home for soup lunch, made from our very successful frozen soup packs.